To satisfy consumer demand for riper fruits, a system for field packing stone fruits was set up
based on an experimental electrical traction platform. Tree-ripened peaches and nectarines were
sorted and field packed in plastic clamshell containers and delivered directly to retail outlets.
Productivity and fruit characteristics such as size, flesh firmness and soluble solids concentration
were evaluated. While the observed working capacity was comparable to that of conventional
harvesting systems, the fruit characteristics (size and flesh firmness) did not always meet the
required consumer-oriented higher quality standards